June 18, 2011 was a historic day for the Armenian Community in London, Ontario with the celebration of the first Divine Liturgy, Badarak of the Armenian Church. The community led by Rev. Fr. Serop Azarian gathered at Chapel of Hope (Address, 850 Highbury Ave., London) a 100 year old beautiful building with medieval European character. Father Azarian celebrated Holy Divine Liturgy assisted by Deacon Nurhan Ipekjian. The Liturgy was sung by the choir, with Shahe Altunyan the conductor, Maria Altunyan, Hasmig Kurdian, Hilda Cizmeciyan and Talin Hacat.


Reverend Fr. Serop Azarian conveyed the greetings of the Primate, His Eminence Bagrat Galstanian and appointed the following four individuals as temporary Parish council. Mrs. Sophie Carswell, Mr. John Koyounian, Mrs. Perouz (Pearl) Seferian, and Mr. Arthur Kashikjian will comprise a committee which will organize parish events for the community. Official elections will be held at a future date.


Following the Divine Liturgy, the community gathered at the home of a parishioner to enjoy a hospitality reception and celebrate the occasion.